IMSU RELOCATION: Amusing dance of the Deads.

The last may not have been heard on the imbroglio relating to the planned relocation of Imo State University to Ideato Local Government of Imo State. The Lilliputian and lily-livered politicians that had previously lost their voice, which was the only weapon left to them since they lost their balls long time ago are regaining consciousness with a budding irrationality. The debate has, however, begun to attract a review or possibly a revaluation of the deeds of some feather weight politicians.

The rogue groups are springing up at the behest of some disgruntled elements who would want to have the world at their feet. Some of these people were on the threshold of political oblivion. Today, there chances of being heard have sprung from a very cheap and irrational course. I was taking aback by the some people like Iwuala, the all knowing chap who will always play to the gallery. Sorry, I am not saying that this man is not good in the things he does but just that I always appreciate his story line that leads to no where. To make his case even worse, I discover that Iwuala approaches issues especially when it concerns the present Government; he behaves as though he is frustrated. I would advise that he should always be in control of his temperament. I believe with that he would have learnt that at issue is not invoking curses and abuses at the personae dramatis but attacking the issue as rational as possible. Further advice, I admire Iwuala for his seeming objectivity in rare cases but if properly dissected, one would discover a consciously made effort to still appear an angel to those who believe in evaluation by face value.

Come to think of it, where is Ideato? What is the place of Ideato in Imo State? What is Ideato known for in Orlu Zone? For me, Ideato is that Local Government with avalanched of self made indigenes that have sacrificed more than their contemporaries from other Zones but have nothing to show for it. If you doubt me, visit peoples Democratic Party and ask to know the contributions of illustrious sons of Ideato. I am sure that you will marvel at the level to which People have continued to deceive people. If I am wrong, can somebody reveal any Government presence in that area whether Federal or State? I would not say more than this for now.

Looking at Politics from the purview of Public Policy, it will definitely make sense for the like of Senator Chris Anyanwu, whom I hold in high esteem, Barr. Uche Osuji and his Chairman coming under the aegis of Odinma Owerri, Chief Nwoga and of course my good friend Iwuala and the rest to actually do the analyses properly and evaluate the pros and cons of the present Government steps before jumping into conclusion hastily. Suffice it to say that beyond doubt, we are at liberty to not just by mere words of mouth, but by law to give our opinion on issues we feel that affect us directly or indirectly. It is our inalienable right to so do. Hence, I rather will say that Imo State is indeed the cradle of Nigeria’s Democracy. While Democracy may be the best form of Government, it is certainly the most dangerous form of government that brings about foot dragging in most things due to the fact that there is, traditionally, room for people to air their views and say their mind however sublime or ridiculous.

Governor Okorocha is one of the few leaders who seem to be so detached from the realities of Nepotism, Favoritism or tribalism. We can all testify to that. He has demonstrated his love for the people by pruning off every other thing to reflect an even interest in the development of Imo State and not a section of Imo State.

Coming to the arguments being advanced by the Anti Imo State University Relocation; one that the law establishing the State University in question labeled it a multi-campus status. Two, some of these AIMSUR argue that for equitable development of Imo State, Imo State University should remain where it is or better still be moved to Ogbaku or Mbaise-Ngor-Okpala axis. Another sentimental one by fingering Okigwe Zone as the most marginalized. To say the least, our brothers from Owerri Zone are also crying fowl against Governor Okorocha’s attempt to relocate the University to Ideato. In fairness, these handfuls worthy representatives of Owerri Zone deserve some applause for sticking out their neck to die for their people. I described these antics of the opposition as purely selfish, deceitful and sheerly a wicked war been fueled by undercover State parasitic elements who had gone into a Faustian agreement with their immoral and inconsiderate agents for the sole aim of causing disaffection in the polity creating room for their Nicodemus entrance for their wicked acts.

In the first place, none of these talibans have bothered to mention the Governor’s overdoes investments in Owerri Zone and his poise to make Owerri Zone a sought after city all over the world. I stand to be corrected; even a fool would decipher the discordant tunes from these mis-representatives of Owerri Zone. Among all these cannon fodders who claim to be fighting for the people of Owerri, shall we open up their cupboards? How much sacrifices have they made for the good of their people? A little inquest will reveal a can of worms. This is the time to buy a cheap mask for their rotten faces. Beyond every doubt, Governor Okorocha has shown how to be a patriotic leader. Concorde is in Owerri Zone. This heritage from Late Sir Onunaka Mbakwe abandoned dilapidated and was almost in ruin; it became another conduit pipe for sleaze; Governor Okorocha came and what happened? One Owerri daughter was unjustly treated and for reason of justice, she was giving her face back through a viable platform, what do we get? Rebellion! Where is the location of heroes square? Where is the biggest pack being built in Imo State? Can somebody tell me who had the political will in all sincerity to upgrade Imo Airport to the new status of International Cargo Airport?

Coming to tertiary institutions, how many of them can we find in Owerri Zone. Today politics of Federal Government and State ownership of these institutions are being played. Nobody has bothered to own up that the locations of these institutions matter despite the ownership. The spill over effects of the establishment of these institutions affects mostly the people whose land it is. We have Institutions of Higher learning like Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri and Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Owerri. Looking at other schools of choice even at the Secondary level, where can we find them if not in Owerri Zone. In Owerri, we have Imo College of Advanced Studies, a professional College with all the expertise gathered from all over the world, courtesy of Governor Okorocha. At present, even before the take-off the institution, over four thousand Students had already sent in their applications for admissions.

Diagnosing where the steam is supposedly coming from and possibly the ambushers of Okorocha from Mbaise axis, it is pertinent to mention here that Imo Airport is located between Mbaise and Ngor-Okpala. Today, that Airport which we all contributed for its construction is being upgraded to International Standard as a Cargo Airport. Of course, work has begun in earnest. This same Governor that is less than a year in office is concerned about your Roads and developing one of the new Cities in Ahiara. This same Governor like he did to oil communities is calling for a stake holder meeting for development Ngor-Okpala from its backwardness. That is the vision of a true leader.

Today, the State Government has embarked on dualisation of Owerri- Aba Road, Owerri-Orlu Road, Okigwe Zone is receiving attentions like never before. What are we talking about? The General Hospital at Umuguma is being upgraded to a Specialist Hospital. A contract of over five hundred million naira has been awarded to build a State-of-the-art Diagnostic center in the same Owerri Zone. Abadaba lake in Obowu is being remembered. Though Okigwe Zone, its affinity with Mbaise and proximity would also have its positive effect in Owerri Zone.

Meanwhile, looking at law, as people like Barr. Osuji would want to bamboozle us with, in Jurisprudence, admittedly, some laws are dead and are clog in the wheel of progress. When one finds himself in such quagmire, what does he do? You ask for a change. And change is the only constant thing in life. Change is not easy as well to effect. The British father of conservatism, Edmund Burke, was never averse to change but was against changing what is good. A dead law must be repealed. We have developed thick skin for those who will always cry wolf where there is none.

As aforementioned, the fighters against Relocation of Imo State University are haters of the people. They want indolence and churning out of half baked graduates sustained in Imo State. The AIMSUR are the owners of the hostels around the present location of IMSU and would want to continue in fleecing the poor people of their little means through the exorbitant rents slammed on the Students. Fighters of IMSU relocation are sponsors and supporters of prostitution because they are the owners of most brothels in this State where supposedly leaders are of tomorrow are turned sexual tools in the hands of these wicked people who claim to be defenders of Owerri Zone. The AIMSUR are of the old order who would not subscribe for any positive change as such would definitely be counter productive to them. Have we wondered a school of higher learning meant for intellectual development located in the middle of distractions, then why complain of poor quality of Education?

Most of these talking drums of Owerri Zone were happier when impunity held sway in this State. They so much reaped from impunity and today they have become crusaders of equity and fairness when actually they are the amusing elements in the amusement park of destruction we thought had been confined to the thrash bin of history. Ndi Owerri Zone, rise to the challenge and say no to them. Tell them to account for their stewardship when they had the opportunity to build Universities for them. Ask them your share of the budget from both the State and Federal Governments. By the time they are asked to be accountable, we would have discovered the activism enmeshed in subterfuge. I call on every Imolites of conscience to say no to these architects of divide and rule. Enough is enough.

Written by: Uche Ogbonnaya. He can be reached on johnnyokoro@rocketmail.com / 0802 320 0480

56 Responses to "IMSU RELOCATION: Amusing dance of the Deads."

Mr uche it is obvious you are dancing to the tune of your pay masters. Are you aware of the role people like Sen. Chris Anyanwu played in Owelles victory? My friend I read through your write up which was more like zonal assault on some of the revered personalities of owerri zone extraction. I hope you understand the implication of this in view of how this administration came into being.

First of all I want to know who is uche ogbonnaya and the role you played during the campaign and electioneering of Owelle. what makes you think you can come out boldly with your shallow write up to cast aspersion on some respected sons and daughters of Mbaise and owerri zone, I have no doubt you are one of these road side pen jobbers lubricating zonal wars now because Owelle is in power to guarantee yourself monthly stipend. As for your empty arguments I wont waste my time on you but to remind you that the boastings of an idiot amuse the intelligent.

Igbo, you should deal on the subject matter and not on individuals. Are you aware that Chris Anyanwu is a benefitiary of sympathy and patronage by people outside the owerri axis after her incaceration and release from prison. Do you think she is so wonderful to win election on her own after prison?. If she supports Owelle in any form, it should not be over emphasised and should not make her over majestic.

Charles Offor I don't even understand the writers subject matter. With the little knowlege of journalism—I can't decipher an focus! Meanwhile, Senator Chris Anyanwu was a freedom fighter…when she was fighting Abacha and co many so called Igbo leaders were busy chasing peanuts and watching "cooked up videos" in Aso Rock. Abacha and his cohorts tried to waste his opponents, not just senator Chris… Obasanjo, Musa Yaradua and others were all wrongfully imprisoned.(Thank God Al Mustapha is paying their price).
You must know that Senator Chris was the propeller to Rochas victory despite "Ikiri's" wilting personae.

Who the hell is this crap of a a guy. This is the most illogical presentation I have seen in my entire life. This does not even deserve a rejoinder in my view. Those of us that have reservations about the relocation will respond when a serious minded person presents at least a reason worth looking at.

This is just a piece of nonesense. It is so clumsy in presentation that I struggled to understand what point the writer tried to make. It is not worth responding to because of it's illogicality. His sponsors should look for a better and more intelligent hatchetman.

LIKE KELECHI JEFF EME RIGHTLY SAID ‘Those of us that have reservations about the relocation will respond when a serious minded person presents at least a reasonable argument’. I JUST WANT TO REMIND D WRITER OF THIS CRAP TO IMAGINE A SCENARIO WHERE IF AFTER OWELLE’S TENURE ANOTHER GOVERNOR COMES AND DECIDE TO RELOCATE D SCHOOL TO HIS COMMUNITY AND AFTER HIS TENURE ANOTHER ONE COME AND DECIDE TO DO SAME. IF D SCHOOL MUST B RELOCATED THEN OWELLE HAS OPTION OF CHOOSING EITHER OGBAKU OR NGOR-OKPUALA/MBAISE DATS HAS ALREADY BEEN IN D PLAN FOR YEARS. DATS D MUCH I CAN SAY.

This is a very shallow and daft argument. Did Rochas say he is relocating IMSU to his village because hotels in Owerri provide avenue for female students to engage in prostitution? And is it in Orlu that female students will not engage in prostitution- assuming but not conceding that this argument is valid? Fools!

@Joi Jon we should not at any point try to confuse issues. In fact IMSU is overdue for relocation to the legally approved permanent sites. What is crying for answers is the Govonor’s decision to relocate it to His viillage.
It’s not only unacceptable it also supports the narrow thinking that rotation of political positions is reasonable and acceptable. If tomorrow an Mbaise-born Governor of Imo state emerges should He relocate all Govt parastatals to His village or home town? The earlier this descion is rescended the better for the image of the Governo

That illiterate hatchet writer forgets that it is basically socio-economic and political circumstances- brought about by bad governance by past and present adminisrations- that have pushed our girls to prostitution. Not the presence of hotels.

The problem with our politics is sycophancy.People make their case based on emotions,sacrificing reason.The relocation of Imo university to Governor Okorocha’s village sounds like ‘insider trading’.We elected people to enact laws and represent us in the assembly.Imo people are well educated and distinguished in their different careers. It will serve Chief Okorocha well to make wide consultations on sensitive issues rather than using executive fiat to rule.The news filtering from home confirms a visionary leadership of the Governor.He should be careful not to squander the people’s political capital.

Political ‘gragra’…grammar! The writer has shallow understanding. He didn’t even talk about Imo Master Plan…Imo State has an intriguing development plan ( I stumbled upon while studying as an undergraduate), I think every Governor should have a pocket size of it by their bedside. If they can implement what is on that map…I bet you Imo will be one of the best cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. IMSU and other structures that people are dragging about are well positioned to serve certain purposes and as an advocate of sustainable development, government should implement that plan.

Thanks Ifa-Excel…I just needed the writer to understand that we need to overgrow childishness. Honestly, I never knew Rochas was contemplating taking IMSU to Ideato. His advisers should pick-up the Imo Master Plan (Sam Mbakwe and Ndubuisi Kanu) did some wonderful planning…Imagine every local govt in Imo was scheduled to have water, cottage industry, electricity, feeder road and economic hotspots. Imagine – every major town (30km) to Owerri was targeted for Urban development to reduce the pressure in Owerri as the population expands. But who is doing anything??? Has there been any mass housing after Ikenegbu. That’s what our writers should be advocating not Orlu, Mbaise, Owerri, Ideato, etc….nepotism

I just need the writer to understand that we need to overgrow childishness. Honestly, I never knew Rochas was contemplating taking IMSU to Ideato. His advisers should pick-up the Imo Master Plan (Sam Mbakwe and Ndubuisi Kanu) did some wonderful planning…Imagine every local govt in Imo was scheduled to have water, cottage industry, electricity, feeder road and economic hotspots. Imagine – every major town (30km) to Owerri was targeted for Urban development to reduce the pressure in Owerri as the population expands. But who is doing anything? Has there been any mass housing after Ikenegbu. That's what our writers should be advocating not Orlu, Mbaise, Owerri, Ideato, etc….nepotism.

Hi Emeka, I agree with you that so many things are wrong and requires attention. However, to solve any equation in mathematics, you probably may start from the known to derive the unknown.He has started with education which any sincere person will agree has been a colossal failure in the state. First and foremost, I am sorry to say this but the presence of the University in its present site is negatively impacting. It exposes the students to sodomic lifestyle. The distractions associated with schooling there exposes those students to the hands of the money bags who clusters those axis with numerious hotels and chalets.

Secondly, somebody asked a question before, and that is, "point out one single state project or infrastructure in Ideator ever since the state was created that will continue tto make them proud Imonites". My dear, even if it was the airport, hotel, housing estate, industries etc that was moved to the axis, people will complain. The truth is that somehow development needs to be balance to give everybody sence of belonging.

Emee,my broda,you are right,but you will agree with me that It is LONG OVERDUE FOR THE RELOCATION OF Imsu to its permanent site at Uvuru Mbaise.Look at what the students of the school,pass through everyday,no hostel,no good road,congestion at the Okigwe road entrance to the school,because for over 10years the Mbonu Ojike entrance gate has been overtaken by grass,dirty water from MR FANS,MBARI KITCHEN,CRUNCHIES,ETC.do you know what a room costs in all the area near the school,my brother let support the idea,but not to Ideato,but to Mbaise.

Please those close to Governor Rochas should urge not to expedite the relocation, to ease the urbanisation pressure on Owerri, the infrastructural pressure, the social and morality indices as well, and the Shylock landlords that have sprouted since the university took over its current residence by Okigwe Road. RELOCATE IMSU should be the next slogan, and now i don’t care where it’s relocated to…

The second campus of Alvan Ikoku college of Education at Orlu was unceremoniously closed down and transfered back to Owerri immediately after Mbakwe administration. Students population in Alvan then was excess and had nearly trippled since then. But the Orlu campus was never reopened. We pray Imo state government to open a second campus of Imo polytechnic at the closed campus of Alvan at Orlu. For now Orlu has just the IMSU teaching hospital which has only a small number of students. The ideators occupy a vast area of Imo state and deserves the location of IMSU. Owerri has so many academic institutions in it.
It is only overzealous landlords in Owerri that are crying for relocation of IMSU from Owerri zone. Even if you now locate IMSU at Mbaise/Ngor Okpalla or elsewhere in Owerri zone, Owerri city must still host the staff and students of the university.

Mr Writer i guess your from the governor’s village and that is why your supporting the man since he want to relocate it let him take it to okigwe or Onu Imo and please if you don’t know what to write just stop writing so that you don’t feed people with lunges.Thank u

When I read certain things, I see the pettiness of our people. This writer should be talking about putting in infrastructure that would serve as catalyst for the development of every part of Imo state not talking about relocating IMSU. Great cities such as London, Paris have countless institutions located in their centres.

I don’t subscribe to the writer’s use of sectional & foul languages on our eminent son’s. As per the issue of Relocation, every reasonable individual will agree it is one of the Governor’s most courageous decisions. However, he should not violate the original plan of having campuses in the senatorial zones. To tell ourselves the truth, the present site is a glorified primary school, apart from other ills that are associated with it’s location. We should pray for the Gov. to replicate what he is doing for the school at Ogboko in other zones. Ka Chineke mezie okwu.

I have no problem with the relocation of IMSU,but my problem is why Ideato,what of the site commissioned by the late great son of the state Dem Samuel o.Mbakwe,at Uvuru Mbaise.where are the sons of Great MBAISE LAND,why keep mute,in issues of this nature.Mbaise,another Igbo land of Nigeria.Umunna leekwenu nmmegbu,abialhi ozo.unu ekwela.

First Igbos complain about nepotism and marginalization in Nigeria, yet at home we are using artificial zoning to separate and ultimately cheat ourselves. Wake up people, Ogboko is in Imo state and can host IMSU.

Okay, let us agree. Owerri university. University in every inch of the land in Owerri zone, as it is in London. After all, Owerri is State capital. State capital zone, Ahoi! Na una get this hand!!!
Check these facts out: Orlu: school for the deaf and dumb and mentally retarded, (the tiny teaching hospital makes no impact). Okigwe, school for the …. do not know, (who knows when they shall develop the IMSU engineeering faculty here).
Imo state was created in 1976. Then, there were hardly any differences in size between the towns of Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri. Today? My good people: Remember: Thou shall not take your brethren to be stupid! Else you may be branding yourself S…
Who cares where IMSG locates IMSU but never gonna be again anywhere in Owerri zone! Because if IMSU is located anywhere in Owerri zone now, in future, my descendants must be taxed to contribute for its relocation elsewhere.

Its really good to see how selfish we can be when it comes to having even development and spread of socio-economic infrastructure.from the last time i checked,Okigwe is part of imo state can anyone be objective enough to list any state or federal presence in Okigwe Zone.we definately need atitudinal revolution and complete mental reorientation to see every part of the state as part of the whole in equal need of developement

Sincerely our governor is a man not only me but most people love immensely, having relocated imsu to his village instead of the original master plan with total disregard to the wish of the man( Dee Sam) he proclaimed to respect have left much to be desired his administration. my sister joi john, from the manner you present yourself i don’t need a prophet to tell me u see the Governor everyday, PLS TELL HIM THAT WHEREVER HE IS RELOCATING IT TO OUTSIDE THE ORIGINAL MASTER WILL BE CERTAINLY RE-ADDRESSED, IF NOT NOW, CERTAINLY LATER, IF NOT IN OUR OWN TIME, CERTAINLY BY NEXT GENERATION BCOS IT’S AN ACT OF SELFISHNESS AND INJUSTICE WHICH YIELD WRONG PRECEDENT.

If the reasons above are what were considered in relocating the University, then I think we have only myopic IDIOTS in govt. I hope we will not wake up one day and hear that Douglas Road or Govt House has moved to Ideato.

Bia Henry Chinedu or whatever you call yourself, this is not the first time you have made such silly remark. I want it to be the last. Stop tagging me in your comments. Don’t abuse the privilege that is available to you on this public platform.

‎@Joi John, there is no need to be angry. If u have the courage and priviledge to have an opinion on all issues on thia platform; notice u post comments daily; then u should have a thick skin to take some knocks especially when ur ideas and aights are light and those thoughts are quite shallow and beyond a certain standard. Those ideas u put up there left out the real issues of the gov moving a university and denying a whole zone what is due to them.

That is why it is important for us to read first before jumping into conclusions. If you had read this article thoroughly, you would have noticed it was written by a Contributing writer. Likewise the other fellow who seems not to know his left from his right.

Any citizen of Imo State that is against the relocation of IMSU is anti IMO STATE,because the present location of the school is nothing to write home about,so let support the plan,but my problem still remain why Ideato,when a site has been commissioned already at Uvuru Mbaise.Why is that anything benefit due to Mbaise Nation is already politicised.

No doubt the current Imo varsity campus is nothing to write home about however, I think the major reason for this agitation against the current move is down to lack of trust in our elected officials and also the fact that Rochas comes from one of the Ideators. Let the governor constitute an “independent” team who will tour round the state and make appropriate recommendations as to where will be most suitable for the university, end of story. Imo bu nke anyi at the end of the day.

U guys should know dat a man sweepin the community always ensures dat his compound is well tidied up.weda u lyk it or nt.. Imsu is moving 2 ogboko…dnt waste ur time arguing. I promise u dat owelle will finish it b4 the nxt 4yrs coz dats the only way it can be sucessfully accpted b4 anoda administratn.let ideato hav dis 1,look at wat an ideato man is doing 4 the state. come on guys let them have it.4get masta plan.

Mr. Ogbonnaya, don't you think it could have been courageous had the Owelle campaigned that upon elected, he would relocate Imo State University to his hometown? How about building a new campus at his hometown? Don't you think that it is insulting to insinuate that people of Owerri Zone cannot differentiate apple from orange? Be rest assured that before you know it, a-4 year- term runs out like a soccer match. In politics, the aggrieved usually exhibit their disapproval and approval with a powerful armament, that is the ballot paper.

The argument is not for fairness or not, no doubt there is need for fairness to ensure harmony.

First Owerri , not just Owerri zone, is the state Capital and hence shd get the cream of developmental energy to maintain its appeal and growth.

Mbaise, though being in owerri zone doesnt gain anything from the current location of IMSU.

Secondly, i think the strongest argument of this fiasco, is that, has anyone supporting the relocation of IMSU thought abt what will happen to the over 50 massive hostel complexes in owerri if IMSU gets relocated?

what will happen to the massive Hotels in the state that the institution help maintain ?

we re all one Imo, right? now would you support a prospect where IMSU is relocated and Owerri fails, – the hotels go bankrupt- lay off folks ?

would you support relocation of IMSU that could cause the bankruptcy of over 50 FASTFOOD restaurants and their associate jobs in the city ?

In my own opinion i think Rochas shd make IMSU a Multi- Campus University just like Lagos state University is. that way ideato would get a share, and orlu zone would get a share.